Parents cling to fading hope for sons

Two families on different sides of the world were yesterday holding out hope against the odds that their sons would be found alive after falling from a cliff into stormy seas.

In New Plymouth, Bruce Gedyes said all his family could do was "just wait" for news of their son, Stephen Kahukaka-Gedyes (17).

"They just can't find him ... They're doing everything they can," he said of the search for his boy. "It will take time."

Mr Gedyes said family members were gathering at his home, and they refused to give up hope.

Thousand of kilometres away in Brazil, Evelucia Melo, mother of Felipe Melo (17), wrote online of her heartbreak when she woke to the news that he was missing. She, too, was clinging to hope.

"Joao Felipe is a strong boy, brave, playful and full of life. He always lived it intensely."

Mrs Melo said she believed her son was "somewhere and that he will soon be found well and counting this adventure".

She planned to wait up all night for news and to pray, while other family members travelled to New Zealand.

But in New Plymouth, Inspector Frank Grant had no hope to offer the families.

He said the focus of the rescue effort had switched to a body-recovery mission.

The two boys and instructor Bryce Jordain (42) have been missing since they plunged into the stormy sea off Paritutu Rock in New Plymouth on Wednesday afternoon.

The boys were part of a group of mainly international pupils from Spotswood College, making a rock climb on Paritutu, the 150m landmark that overlooks Port Taranaki.

It is believed the boys fell into the water and Mr Jordain leapt in to rescue them.

The course was being run by the Taranaki Outdoor Pursuits and Education Centre (Topec), which yesterday faced criticism from some pupils and parents for taking the group out when the weather was poor and the sea swells were up to 3m.

Topec chairman David Grigg promised full co-operation with investigators.

He expected statements would be taken from Topec staff and the surviving pupils, who were lifted from the rock by rescue helicopters.

"We have an investigation under way that will run alongside a Labour Department investigation."

Mr Grigg said the organisation's thoughts were with the families of the missing boys.

Spotswood College board of trustees chairman Ross Dingle said an investigation would be held, but the school's immediate focus was on supporting its pupils and the families of the missing.

The search for the trio was to resume early today. It was hoped police divers would be able to join the search after being unable to enter the water yesterday, because of rough conditions.

Prime Minister John Key said a full coroner's inquiry would be held.